spark problems on my 1967

[oldsmobilekindofguy]

I am working on my 1967 C-10 283, I finally got power to the fuse box so I could turn it over with the key and there is power going to the coil but no spark.There is power going up each wire on the sides but I pulled the plug out and stuck a test light in it but it wouldn't light up?so there is no power going to the distributor.
My guess is the coil is bad. I have a 1969 C-10 parts truck with a 350 and my last question is if the coil would be the same?


The last guy that had the pickup tryed timing it, and I didn't know if the timing was way off if it would make it not spark.

Any other ideas to why there is no spark??

[68gmsee]

You didn't mention if you had a stock distributor but I've found out that in some cases and internal short in the cap and/or rotor can cause this problem.

I've never had to replace a coil myself, but that may well be the case. I usually check to see if I'm getting spark to the distributor from the coil by removing the wire from the dist. cap and leave it out just far enough so that you can actually hear or see the spark when someone cranks the engine for you.

Be very careful and don't hold it to far out or with your bare hands (don't ask me how I know). If you have some rubber handled pliars that would help..

If you see the spark going in but nothing coming out, then you at least know where to look...

[68gmsee]

Forgot to mention. The coils should be the same 12 volt coils.

[68gmsee]

Forgot to mention. The coils should be the same 12 volt coils. And you should still get a spark whether the timing is way off or not.

[WorkinLonghorn]

In addition to the good responses above I would add that any time I get a truck,or a car for that matter,the first thing I do is trash the coil,cap,rotor and points/condenser.I then get the best quality replacements I can find and clean all connectors and put some of that dielectric grease on the connections. Spark wires should be tested with an ohmmeter for proper resistance and chucked if they fail.
I had a coil go out on a '68 C-10 and a buddy had one go out on a '69 El Camino. You can test one with an ohmmeter if in doubt.-Brian
I do these things for better mileage,performance and because I use my truck for work and I can't afford to be on the side of the road with my head under the hood while I am paying my two guys $10-12/hr each to take a big siesta.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by WorkinLonghorn

I do these things for better mileage,performance and because I use my truck for work and I can't afford to be on the side of the road with my head under the hood while I am paying my two guys $10-12/hr each to take a big siesta.

Good advise. And I know what you mean... I've spent a lot of time doing just that on the side of the road in my 40 years of driving.

[cdowns]

did you take the distributor cap off and see if the points are opening and closing or if there are points installed at all?? too much gap no spark no gap no spark no points no spark if the rotor doesnt rotate no spark no rotor no spark

the coil wont spark nothing unless the points open and close correctly and trigger the coil to spark

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by cdowns

the coil wont spark nothing unless the points open and close correctly and trigger the coil to spark

True. We still don't know if the truck has a stock dist. though.

I'm assuming it does, and, points, condenser, etc. have been checked.

[cdowns]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

True. We still don't know if the truck has a stock dist. though.

I'm assuming it does, and, points, condenser, etc. have been checked.

thats funny cause i'm assuming hes never looked inside a distributor

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by cdowns

thats funny cause i'm assuming hes never looked inside a distributor

Yep, I guess you're right. We can't assume.

[oldsmobilekindofguy]

it has the stock distributor and yes I took off the distributor cap to see if all that was working and yes it was

about an hour ago I tried holding the plug coming off the coil to the distributor above a ground and seeing if it would make spark and it didn't

[68gmsee]

Hey oldsmobile, check this site out. It's for a 6 cuylinder but the dude was having a similar problem.

http://en.allexperts.com/q/GM-GMC-78...0-straight.htm

[VetteVet]

This site breaks it down pretty good.
http://abbysenior.com/mechanics/ignition.htm

[truckdude239]

try replacing the points frist my 71 did the same thing and i wasted a coil 20 buxs for an 11 buxs kit

[cdowns]

at the very least before changing out coil id use an ignition file and file the points clean then set the dwell at 30degrees on the meter or if you have no meter a gap when open of .019 should be good// if replacing coil i'd also go for new points condensor rotor and cap at a minimum

[oldsmobilekindofguy]

sounds good all thanks for the advice